Charlie Schouten

Ask has chosen Bam as preferred bidder for its next project at First Street, a 17-storey office and hotel building which goes before Manchester’s planning committee tomorrow.

The developer had shortlisted Bam and Kier to deliver the project and Bam’s appointment is set to be formalised in January, ahead of a two-year build programme starting next year, subject to approval at tomorrow’s committee.

The building includes around 160,000 sq ft of offices on the 11 lower floors, and a 205-bedroom hotel on the top six levels, the two elements being served by separate entrances. An as-yet-unnamed operator is understood to have been secured for the hotel although Ask has declined to name names.

The architect for the building is 5plus, although Jon Matthews Architects is now overseeing design on the project. Deloitte is the planner for the project, while Cundall is providing building services and acoustics.

Both contractors have a track record of delivering office space in the city centre. Bam is already on site at another Ask development, 100 Embankment in Salford, which is a 166,000 sq ft sister office for 101 Embankment.

Bam stepped in to deliver the project in February this year following the collapse of Carillion, which was originally lined up as main contractor.

Other office developments Bam has delivered in the city centre include No1 Spinningfields for Allied London, and the Co-op’s headquarters in NOMA.

Kier, meanwhile, is currently on site at Heron House – due to be home to GCHQ among others – and at Windmill Green opposite the Midland and Manchester Central, which is nearing imminent completion.

An updated masterplan for the First Street area went before the city council’s executive in July, outlining plans for up to 347,000 sq ft of office space and a hotel, with development to reach up to 17 storeys.

Ask confirmed Bam’s status as preferred bidder when contacted by Place North West. Bam and Kier were contacted for comment.

Your Comments

This is one horrendous looking building. Why do 5Plus insist on designing such unrefined and uninspiring buildings for the Manchester skyline? Missed opportunity of what could have been a truly remarkable building given it’s prime location…